1 online resource (ix, 265 pages)

Though smallpox was eradicated from the planet two decades ago, recent terrorist acts have raised the horrific possibility that rogue states, laboratories, or terrorist groups are in possession of secret stockpiles of the virus that causes the disease, and may be preparing to unleash it on target populations. Because it is a far deadlier killer than other biological warfare agents such as anthrax, and because the universal vaccination against smallpox was halted decades ago, a smallpox attack today would be nothing short of catastrophic. This clear, authoritative study looks at the long and f

Includes bibliographical references (pages 247-258) and index

The rise and fall of smallpox -- The biology of viruses -- Smallpox as a biological weapon -- Environmental law and policy -- The World Health Organization -- The morality of extinction -- The case for extermination -- The case against extermination

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